Topic: 1FGC's New Addition...

[Firm]

Stocker 17's would be the way to go, but there are some OK 16" options out there. When I needed to put 16" tires on that little SLK230 (205 in the front, 225 in the rear) I ended up with Cooper RS3-G1's, I shopped around a bunch and they were the best bang-for-buck I could find. Got them on sale at CT and with install and all that I think it came out just under $600.

I put maybe 1200 kms on them before selling the car and liked them a lot. Very quite, sharp handling, great grip in dry conditions (never tried them in the wet)....For budget friendly performance tires I was really pleased.

[Gurgie]

Thanks all!

This one is definitely a pure analog car compared to the 128i (which is already pretty analog compared to todays cars). The clutch, shifter, hydraulic steering, suspension and brakes are sharp - the BMW feels like a marshmallow in comparison. Fun fact: The GX trim does NOT have ABS, traction or stability control (ABS became standard in 2007).

I do note that it is VERY easy to get this thing to fish tail even on dry roads. Is it because of the weight or because of the 12 year old Kumho summer tires? 205 50 16's aren't cheap as I thought they would be. I'm keeping an eye out for Firestone Firehawk Indy 500's for a replacement set.

http://www.walltowalltires.com/search.php?w=205.00&p=50.00&d=16.00

Sent from my SM-G970W using Tapatalk

[ArticSteve]

According to tire calculators, for 16", I would need minimum 16 x 7 wheels for 215+ (OEM are 16 x 6.5).

NO.     215s will fit.  Don't put 2002 Prius tires on it.  Take a walk on the wild side.

[Angry Chicken]

According to tire calculators, for 16", I would need minimum 16 x 7 wheels for 215+ (OEM are 16 x 6.5).

NO.     215s will fit.  Don't put 2002 Prius tires on it.  Take a walk on the wild side.

  Now go out and get those sweet Indy 500s.  Best bang for the buck summer performance tires out there!  Great looking car.

[Seafoam]

Thanks all for the comments!

Quote from: Seafoam on July 04, 2022, 12:17:31 pm
Nice find. I had a 2006 for 9 years. It never gave me any problems. Of the first 3 gens of  miata's I think the NC is the most trouble free. Not a lot goes wrong with them. Check the coolant overflow tank for cracks if you suddenly have a leak.
I'm one of those guys that prefers the older generations like JohnnyMac mentions but you can't go wrong with any miata.

I've read a lot of forums and reddit about the coolant tank. I've only heard issues with older BMWs and cracking tanks. Is it that big of a concern?? Of course, I don't wanna cook my engine but I wonder what the failure rate is. A new OEM tank is $114.

My NC never had the bad tank but it had come up many times on Miata.Net. There is a an aluminum Moroso tank but it is pricey. I'd just keep an eye on it.

[Slow_lane]

Congrats on your new to you Miata. Like your BMW 128 as well. Something about that one series design that just turns my crank.

You have a couple cars that are built for pure fun there.

[Bubba]

Congrats!  Great car.

[2JDM]

Thanks for the comments

Stocker 17's would be the way to go, but there are some OK 16" options out there. When I needed to put 16" tires on that little SLK230 (205 in the front, 225 in the rear) I ended up with Cooper RS3-G1's, I shopped around a bunch and they were the best bang-for-buck I could find. Got them on sale at CT and with install and all that I think it came out just under $600.

I put maybe 1200 kms on them before selling the car and liked them a lot. Very quite, sharp handling, great grip in dry conditions (never tried them in the wet)....For budget friendly performance tires I was really pleased.

I managed to find some Michelin AS3+ (same on my BMW) on clearance, stock size (sorry for the disappointment boys), for $112 each at Crappy Tire in Brockville. They got 12 in stock so I will check the DOT codes and likely pull the trigger if they're 5 years old or newer. I'll be driving by on my way home from London to Ottawa.

Thanks all for the comments!

Quote from: Seafoam on July 04, 2022, 12:17:31 pm
Nice find. I had a 2006 for 9 years. It never gave me any problems. Of the first 3 gens of  miata's I think the NC is the most trouble free. Not a lot goes wrong with them. Check the coolant overflow tank for cracks if you suddenly have a leak.
I'm one of those guys that prefers the older generations like JohnnyMac mentions but you can't go wrong with any miata.

I've read a lot of forums and reddit about the coolant tank. I've only heard issues with older BMWs and cracking tanks. Is it that big of a concern?? Of course, I don't wanna cook my engine but I wonder what the failure rate is. A new OEM tank is $114.

My NC never had the bad tank but it had come up many times on Miata.Net. There is a an aluminum Moroso tank but it is pricey. I'd just keep an eye on it.

Might be more of an issue in hotter climates but I will keep an eye out on it. The shop that changed my thermostat didn't mention anything when they changed the coolant.

[rrocket]

Nice tires!

Had them on my 911 and really liked them.

[TheHire]

Yeah, I like AS3+ as well, they're great.

[2JDM]

Yep this will be my 3rd set of the AS3 line and I love them. DOT codes were 0521, so nice and fresh! Beats the 4010 codes I have now...

Should I sell my old tires for cheap? Technically they pass Ontario safety - mint tread, no cracks...just old. Was thinking $80-$100 for all 4.

[rrocket]

Was thinking $80-$100 for all 4.

Sure!!

Why not?

[tortoise]

I'd put them on for two weeks.

If they don't go just give them away for free, someone should take them.

[PJungnitsch]

Keep track of the oddball responses you get. I still laugh remembering when I listed a couple old tires for $50

[TheHire]

Yep this will be my 3rd set of the AS3 line and I love them. DOT codes were 0521, so nice and fresh! Beats the 4010 codes I have now...

Should I sell my old tires for cheap? Technically they pass Ontario safety - mint tread, no cracks...just old. Was thinking $80-$100 for all 4.

Depends where you go. My techs won't safety any tires over 8 years old, and put it right on the notes. Plenty of dealerships/shops around here do that as well.

[Blueprint]

When a 128i is your practical car, you're livin' the life! Congrats!

[rrocket]

Yep this will be my 3rd set of the AS3 line and I love them. DOT codes were 0521, so nice and fresh! Beats the 4010 codes I have now...

Should I sell my old tires for cheap? Technically they pass Ontario safety - mint tread, no cracks...just old. Was thinking $80-$100 for all 4.

My techs won't safety any tires over 8 years old, and put it right on the notes. Plenty of dealerships/shops around here do that as well.

Love when techs/service places make sh*t up.     Sure screams "cash grab!!".

Last I checked, that's not a reason to fail a safety.  Got the regulations to back it up?  I don't ever remember seeing that in the real regs.....though it's been a couple of years since I've looked at the regs and they do get updated periodically. 

I'm prepared to be proven wrong, however.

**EDIT**  Latest Regulations:  https://www.ontario.ca/files/2022-03/mto-passenger-light-duty-vehicle-inspection-standard-en-2022-03-18.pdf

[TheHire]

I should have added an asterisk. Most times tires of that age that come in are showing dry rot, cracking, uneven wear, etc.; it's not a blanket statement. My dad's '15 Panamera Turbo had 40k on it when I bought it, but the tires were 2015 date coded and showing a bit of dry rot. Automatic safety fail - needed brand new rubber immediately.

Any of these things should fail a safety. I will not compromise the safety of any vehicle I drive, and will advise my customers of the same. Think that's a cash grab, have at it.

Also, if you want to challenge tire age, two words: Paul Walker.

[rrocket]

I should have added an asterisk. Most times tires of that age that come in are showing dry rot, cracking, uneven wear, etc.; it's not a blanket statement.

Any of these things should fail a safety.

Also, if you want to challenge tire age, two words: Paul Walker.

Ahh yes, cracking and wear is indeed a failure.  And it sounded like a blanket statement!   


Uhhh...and Paul Walker's death wasn't tire related.  Although the tires were older, the cause of the accident was excessive/unsafe speed. 

Nice try though!!   

[TheHire]

I should have added an asterisk. Most times tires of that age that come in are showing dry rot, cracking, uneven wear, etc.; it's not a blanket statement.

Any of these things should fail a safety.

Also, if you want to challenge tire age, two words: Paul Walker.

Ahh yes, cracking and wear is indeed a failure.  And it sounded like a blanket statement!   

Uhhh...and Paul Walker's death wasn't tire related.  Although the tires were older, the cause of the accident was excessive/unsafe speed. 

Nice try though!!   

Okay, Mr. Know It All. I didn't say it's the direct cause; it was 100% a factor that's undisputed.

https://www.thedrive.com/article/5189/the-truth-behind-what-caused-paul-walkers-fatal-crash
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2014/03/paul-walker-s-death-highlights-dangers-of-aging-tires/index.htm

Anyway sorry to 1FGC for derailing your thread!! Truly apologize; and this is the last response I’ll make on this topic. Cheers!